Returning Your Vehicle
Helping you through lease-end
Prepare for Lease-End
Once you’ve made your decision, the process for returning your vehicle starts approximately three months prior to your lease maturity date and should include the following steps:
Step 1: Schedule your Vehicle Pre-Inspection
We encourage you to have your vehicle pre-inspection completed between 45 and 90 days prior to your maturity date.
Prior to returning your leased vehicle, schedule your complimentary pre-inspection with our inspection partner AutoVin (independent third party). Register your MBFS account online here to book your inspection directly or call Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Lease Maturity department at 1-866-202-6969 for further assistance.
Flexible and convenient, you choose the time and location that works for you.
Step 2: Review Vehicle Pre-Inspection Results
Upon completion of your pre-inspection, review your report online. You may contact Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Lease Maturity department at 1-866-202-6969 to discuss any questions regarding your report. You may also contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer to understand your options for repairs, replacement items and the costs for any excess wear and tear.
We recommend that the repairs be performed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or body shop to ensure the highest quality and to avoid any unexpected charges if repairs do not meet our standards.
Step 3: Return Your Vehicle
Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule your vehicle return appointment.
Before returning your vehicle, be sure to detach your vehicle from your Mercedes me connect account to allow for a smoother transition into your new Mercedes-Benz. Your dealer can help with this.
Upon vehicle return, you will be provided with a Vehicle Return Receipt. In most cases, you will also be provided with a Vehicle Condition Summary and a Lease-End Statement. If your complimentary pre-inspection was not performed prior to return, or if your vehicle’s condition has changed since the pre-inspection was conducted, a Vehicle Condition Summary and a Lease-End Statement may not be available, and a final third-party inspection may be needed to determine your final kilometrage and any excess wear and tear.
Lease-End Statement
In the event you have not received the Lease End Statement at the time of return, you will receive a Lease-End Statement in the mail, or you can access this statement online if you have already registered your account through the MBFS Customer Portal. This statement will detail any charges or fees for damages, kilometre overages or excess wear and tear, as well as any other outstanding payments, late charges or other charges and any other credits you may be owed. Remember that completing your pre-inspection will help identify any chargeable issues early, so you can take any necessary steps to avoid them, if possible.
Assess Your Vehicle
Before your pre-inspection, you’re welcome to conduct your own review and use the Vehicle Condition Guidelines below to familiarize yourself with the process.
Take it into your own hands
Place a standard Canadian Credit/Debit Card over an exterior or interior blemish. Please note, this may not apply to some interior blemishes and glass damages such as burn holes in the fabric and windshield chips or cracks.*
The approximate dimensions of the card are 8.5 cm/3.375 inches (width) x 5.5 cm/2.125 inches (height).
As part of your assessment, check the number of kilometres you have driven during your lease period to verify whether you've gone over your predetermined limit.
Please keep in mind that this self-inspection test is for estimation purposes only and is not a replacement of the vehicle pre-inspection or of the determination in the Lease-End Statement.
*Exceptions apply.
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- All four tires match the original tires in typeDisclaimer[2], size, load and speed rating with at least 0.32 cm (4/32 inches) of tread depth at the greatest wear point
- The tires on the same axle are of the same brand (4MATIC vehicles must have all four tires of the same brand)
- The tires and rims match the original specifications (for Mercedes-Benz approved specifications, see sticker inside the driver’s door and Owner’s Manual)Disclaimer[3]
- The spare tire and rim (or inflation kit for those vehicles without a spare tire) are present and in operable condition
- The rims are not bent and they are free of breaks (regardless of the size)
- The tires are free of bulges, cuts, sidewall damage and abnormal wear
- Any wheel scratches and gouges pass the self-inspection test
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- All maintenance service specified by the manufacturer has been performed as required and documented by a stamped Service Booklet or a copy of the repair order
- Any issues covered under warranty have been repaired
- All engine or drivetrain components are operable
- You still have your Service Booklet/Owner’s Manual/COMAND Manual/Service and Warranty Information Booklet
- Both keys are returned
To ensure a seamless and easy return of your Mercedes-Benz, be sure to keep up with the necessary maintenance of your vehicle throughout your lease. It’s important that you get your vehicle serviced at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, where our state-of-the-art diagnostic systems can determine your precise service requirements. Please make sure that you have kept your service up to date and that all necessary maintenance has been completed before you return your vehicle.
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- The exterior is free of holes, tears or breaks (regardless of the size)
- Scratches are not through the paint (regardless of the size). If your vehicle has scratches that do go through the paint, just apply the Self-Inspection Test
- Scratches through the paint and dents pass the Self-Inspection Test
- The grille is free of any breaks
- If there is bumper scuff that doesn’t alter or expose the underlying material, it is acceptable regardless of size. If the underlying material is cut, shaved or torn, then apply the Self-Inspection Test. All holes, tears or breaks are not acceptable regardless of the size
When assessing your vehicle’s exterior, keep in mind a maximum of 5 damage occurrences (that pass the Self-Inspection Test) per panel is acceptable. These ‘panels’ include the vehicle’s front and rear bumper. This excludes holes, tears or breaks.
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- The interior is free of tears, cuts, holes, burns or stains that cannot be removed (regardless of the size)
- Any interior damage does not penetrate the fabric and passes the Self-Inspection Test
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- All glass and lenses are free of holes, cracks or stars Disclaimer[4]
- Any scratches can be covered by the Self-Inspection Test
- No more than 2 chips have been pluggedDisclaimer[5]
- Any chips or plugsDisclaimer[5]are smaller than 3 mm
- Any chips or plugsDisclaimer[5]sit outside the driver’s field of vision defined by wiper path
- Any aftermarket window tint is free of any scratches, bubbling, tears, or discolouring
We recommend any windshield replacement be completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to ensure the repair meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Keep in mind windshield replacement is often covered by insurance. Check with your insurance agent.
Repairs or replacements are not necessary if:
- All equipment leased with the vehicle and all factory-installed parts are present, undamaged and in good working order
- All modifications installed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership are intact
Any third-party, aftermarket alterations have been restored to their original condition, including but not limited to:
- Lowering the vehicle’s suspension
- Changing the vehicle colour or non-factory paint schemes
- Spoilers and/or trailer hitches
- Holes in the frame
- Damage caused by the removal of parts and accessories
- Other aftermarket alterations not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
Anything changed or added to your vehicle is considered an aftermarket alteration and is not acceptable, unless it was installed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Please note, not all mechanical, electrical, structural damage, odometer tampering or damage resulting from alterations to the vehicle can be immediately uncovered during the vehicle pre-inspection process. In case any of those damages are found after the vehicle is returned, an invoice will be issued accordingly
Think Mercedes-Benz…Again
Vehicle Condition Guidelines
Wear and tear is a normal part of driving. Learn more about our Vehicle Condition Guidelines.
Vehicle Condition Review Checklist
Download the Vehicle Condition Review Checklist to help you review your vehicle’s condition and prepare for your vehicle pre-inspection.